The Dark Side of the Sun

Dr. Bortz's Words of Wisdom

It's said that you can't tell anything about a package from its wrapping. But that's not the case with us humans. Our cover -- our skin -- tells us a lot about what's inside. Age brings changes to the skin much as it does to the rest of our bodies. Many of the problems associated with older skin are secondary to poor personal care. We can't do anything about the loss of elastic tissue as we age, but we are responsible for the heaps of trouble that excess sun exposure can cause our skin.

The ABCs of UVA, UVB and SPF

Buying sunscreen can be confusing. Here are some common terms and definitions that may help you find what you need:

UVA. Ultraviolet A is long-wave radiation generated by the sun that penetrates more deeply than UVB, causes wrinkling and leathering, damages connective tissue, and causes tanning but is less likely to cause an immediate burn. UVA exposure is key in the development of melanoma.

Know Your Body

Finally, don't neglect damage the sun might already have done. Examine your skin for any changes in existing moles and other skin discoloration, and keep an eye out for new moles. If you have moles, check for these characteristics:

• an asymmetrical or irregular shape
• a jagged or blurry border
• changing or darkening color
• an uneven or elevated surface
• itching or bleeding

Preventing Skin Cancer

The Skin Cancer Foundation recently supported a study that determined that sun-protective practices could prevent over 90 percent of skin cancers. Here are some of the Foundation's tips to prevent skin cancer:

• If you're bald, be sure to cover your head. Even if you aren't, wear a broad-brimmed hat to shade your head and neck.
• Adapt to your environment -- sun exposure in high altitude, equatorial locales is far more dangerous than in low-altitude northern locales.
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Cancer Causes

One reason researchers give for rising rates of melanoma is depletion of the ozone layer in the Earth's atmosphere, which lets in more cancer-causing ultraviolet light. (The Environmental Protection Agency's Web site has an excellent Stratospheric Ozone section that explains what causes ozone depletion and what it means to you and your health.

By Om Dixon